It is not certain what consideration was given to evaluating the meteorological conditions before departure. Given the experience of the couple who ran the camp, it is likely that the forecast dramatic change in the weather would have influenced their planning of the fishing trip. Because they were unaware of the weather forecast, they did not postpone the trip or plan to remain in the very sheltered fishing area overnight, to return during daylight. The difficulties experienced in the unexpected bad weather conditions on the return trip also highlight the lack of emergency or contingency planning. With no meaning to the flashes from the other boats, those in the canoe were not aware that assistance was required.Analysis It is not certain what consideration was given to evaluating the meteorological conditions before departure. Given the experience of the couple who ran the camp, it is likely that the forecast dramatic change in the weather would have influenced their planning of the fishing trip. Because they were unaware of the weather forecast, they did not postpone the trip or plan to remain in the very sheltered fishing area overnight, to return during daylight. The difficulties experienced in the unexpected bad weather conditions on the return trip also highlight the lack of emergency or contingency planning. With no meaning to the flashes from the other boats, those in the canoe were not aware that assistance was required. No weather forecast had been obtained, and the group was unaware that a major low pressure system was rapidly approaching the area. There was no emergency or contingency planning by the group leaders before departure. The severe wind and rough water caused the boats to swamp and/or capsize, resulting in loss of life. Only 4 of the 12 persons in the group survived. The group consisted of 12 persons, but only two personal flotation devices (PFDs) were taken on the trip. The three survivors from the canoe believed the others were safely ashore, and they did not alert the radiotelephone operator to the situation.Findings No weather forecast had been obtained, and the group was unaware that a major low pressure system was rapidly approaching the area. There was no emergency or contingency planning by the group leaders before departure. The severe wind and rough water caused the boats to swamp and/or capsize, resulting in loss of life. Only 4 of the 12 persons in the group survived. The group consisted of 12 persons, but only two personal flotation devices (PFDs) were taken on the trip. The three survivors from the canoe believed the others were safely ashore, and they did not alert the radiotelephone operator to the situation. The three small open craft proceeded on the return trip after dark in deteriorating weather conditions. Because no weather forecast had been obtained, the group was unaware of the forecast severity of the winds and did not expect to encounter rough water. Contributing to the loss of life was the insufficient number of personal flotation devices taken on the trip and the absence of any contingency planning.Causes and Contributing Factors The three small open craft proceeded on the return trip after dark in deteriorating weather conditions. Because no weather forecast had been obtained, the group was unaware of the forecast severity of the winds and did not expect to encounter rough water. Contributing to the loss of life was the insufficient number of personal flotation devices taken on the trip and the absence of any contingency planning.